EP3821426A1 - Dispositif acoustique - Google Patents

Dispositif acoustique

Info

Publication number
EP3821426A1
EP3821426A1 EP19745914.2A EP19745914A EP3821426A1 EP 3821426 A1 EP3821426 A1 EP 3821426A1 EP 19745914 A EP19745914 A EP 19745914A EP 3821426 A1 EP3821426 A1 EP 3821426A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
acoustic
driver
waveguide
leg portion
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19745914.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Roman N. Litovsky
Michael Tiene
Chester S. Williams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bose Corp
Original Assignee
Bose Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bose Corp filed Critical Bose Corp
Publication of EP3821426A1 publication Critical patent/EP3821426A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
    • H04R1/34—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
    • H04R1/345—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means for loudspeakers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/22—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound for conducting sound through hollow pipes, e.g. speaking tubes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1091—Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
    • H04R1/34—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
    • H04R1/345—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means for loudspeakers
    • H04R1/347—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means for loudspeakers for obtaining a phase-shift between the front and back acoustic wave
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R3/04—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for correcting frequency response
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R3/12—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
    • H04R5/0335—Earpiece support, e.g. headbands or neckrests
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
    • H04R1/2807—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements
    • H04R1/2853—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements using an acoustic labyrinth or a transmission line
    • H04R1/2857—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements using an acoustic labyrinth or a transmission line for loudspeaker transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/02—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to an acoustic device.
  • Wearable personal audio devices such as acoustic devices that are designed to be worn draped over the shoulders and provide sound to the ears, are generally relatively large, generally“U”-shaped structures. Some of these devices include two audio transducers and two audio waveguides, where each waveguide is acoustically coupled to one transducer and runs through most of the structure. Since the structure should be flexible so it can be comfortably placed around the neck and over the shoulders, one result is that the device mechanical design and construction must accommodate waveguides that can be flexed. Such devices are thus relatively mechanically complex and difficult and expensive to manufacture.
  • an acoustic device includes a housing that is configured to be worn draped over the shoulders of a user in a deployed configuration, the housing comprising an intermediate portion with opposed first and second ends, a first leg portion that depends from the first end of the intermediate portion, and a second leg portion that depends from the second end of the intermediate portion. Each leg portion comprises a proximal end that is coupled to the intermediate portion and a distal end spaced farthest from the intermediate portion.
  • a first acoustic driver is carried by the first leg portion and is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • a first acoustic waveguide is located entirely in the first leg portion and is acoustically coupled to the first acoustic driver.
  • a first acoustic waveguide outlet is located in the first leg portion and is configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from the first acoustic driver that was acoustically coupled to the first acoustic waveguide.
  • the first acoustic waveguide extends from the first acoustic driver, proximally along the first leg portion to proximate the intermediate portion, and then turns and extends distally along the first leg portion to the first acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • a second acoustic driver is carried by the second leg portion and is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • a second acoustic waveguide is located entirely in the second leg portion and is acoustically coupled to the second acoustic driver.
  • a second acoustic waveguide outlet is located in the second leg portion and is configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from the second acoustic driver that was acoustically coupled to the second acoustic waveguide.
  • the second acoustic waveguide extends from the second acoustic driver, proximally along the second leg portion to proximate the intermediate portion, and then turns and extends distally along the second leg portion to the second acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • Embodiments may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.
  • the intermediate portion may be configured to allow relative movement of the first and second leg portions.
  • the first acoustic driver may be proximate the first acoustic waveguide outlet, and the second acoustic driver may be proximate the second acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • the first acoustic driver may be proximate the distal end of the first leg portion, and the second acoustic driver may be proximate the distal end of the second leg portion.
  • the first acoustic waveguide outlet may be closer to the intermediate portion than is the first acoustic driver, and the second acoustic waveguide outlet may be closer to the intermediate portion than is the second acoustic driver.
  • Embodiments may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
  • the acoustic device may further comprise an audio signal control system that directs audio signals to each of the first and second drivers, where the drivers transduce the audio signals to output sound.
  • the audio signal control system may be configured to apply first and second equalization modes to the audio signals in a first and second listening mode, respectively, wherein the first equalization mode is designed for use in the first listening mode where the housing is draped over the shoulders of the user, and the second equalization mode is designed for use in the second listening mode where the housing is off the shoulders of the user, and where the second equalization mode de-emphasizes frequencies below a first threshold frequency and boosts frequencies above the first threshold frequency.
  • the first threshold frequency may comprise a frequency in a range of about 100-200 Hz.
  • the first equalization mode may de-emphasize frequencies below a second threshold frequency, where the second threshold frequency is below the first threshold frequency.
  • the first listening mode may comprise a personal listening mode.
  • the second listening mode may comprise an out-loud listening mode, wherein the acoustic device is operated while placed somewhere other than on a user’s body. In the first listening mode the first and second acoustic drivers may be operated out of phase and in the second listening mode the first and second acoustic drivers may be operated in phase.
  • the first acoustic waveguide may have a first fundamental frequency and the second acoustic waveguide may have a second fundamental frequency, and the second equalization mode may result in effectively no sound pressure level at frequencies below the first and second fundamental frequencies.
  • the audio signal control system may be arranged to drive the first and second acoustic drivers out of phase.
  • Embodiments may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
  • the first acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back
  • the second acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back.
  • the housing may further comprise a first back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the first acoustic driver and is between the first acoustic driver and the first acoustic waveguide, wherein the first back acoustic volume comprises an air-adsorbing material and the housing may further comprise a second back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the second acoustic driver and is between the second acoustic driver and the second acoustic waveguide.
  • the second back acoustic volume may comprise an air-adsorbing material.
  • the acoustic device may further comprise an open-cell foam that carries the air-adsorbing material.
  • Embodiments may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
  • the first acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back
  • the second acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back.
  • the housing may further comprise a first back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the first acoustic driver and is between the first acoustic driver and the first acoustic waveguide and the housing may further comprise a second back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the second acoustic driver and is between the second acoustic driver and the second acoustic waveguide.
  • a fundamental frequency of the first and second waveguides may be less than 100Hz.
  • an acoustic device in another aspect, includes a housing that is configured to be worn draped over the shoulders of a user in a deployed configuration, the housing comprising an intermediate portion with opposed first and second ends, a first leg portion that depends from the first end of the intermediate portion, and a second leg portion that depends from the second end of the intermediate portion. Each leg portion comprises a proximal end that is coupled to the intermediate portion and a distal end spaced farthest from the intermediate portion.
  • a first acoustic driver is carried by the first leg portion and is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • a first acoustic waveguide is located entirely in the first leg portion and is acoustically coupled to the first acoustic driver.
  • a first acoustic waveguide outlet is located in the first leg portion and is configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from the first acoustic driver that was acoustically coupled to the first acoustic waveguide.
  • the first acoustic waveguide extends from the first acoustic driver, proximally along the first leg portion to proximate the intermediate portion, and then turns and extends distally along the first leg portion to the first acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • a second acoustic driver is carried by the second leg portion and is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • a second acoustic waveguide is located entirely in the second leg portion and is acoustically coupled to the second acoustic driver.
  • a second acoustic waveguide outlet is located in the second leg portion and is configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from the second acoustic driver that was acoustically coupled to the second acoustic waveguide.
  • the second acoustic waveguide extends from the second acoustic driver, proximally along the second leg portion to proximate the intermediate portion, and then turns and extends distally along the second leg portion to the second acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • the first acoustic driver is proximate the first acoustic waveguide outlet
  • the second acoustic driver is proximate the second acoustic waveguide outlet.
  • An audio signal control system directs audio signals to each of the first and second drivers, where the drivers transduce the audio signals to output sound.
  • the audio signal control system is configured to apply first and second equalization modes to the audio signals in a first and second listening mode, respectively. In the first listening mode the first and second acoustic drivers are operated out of phase and in the second listening mode the first and second acoustic drivers are operated in phase.
  • Embodiments may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
  • the first acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back.
  • the second acoustic driver may be configured to radiate sound from both a driver front and a driver back.
  • the housing may further comprise a first back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the first acoustic driver and is between the first acoustic driver and the first acoustic waveguide.
  • the housing may further comprise a second back acoustic volume that is acoustically coupled to the back of the second acoustic driver and is between the second acoustic driver and the second acoustic waveguide.
  • a fundamental frequency of the first and second waveguides may be less than 100Hz.
  • the first back acoustic volume may comprise an air-adsorbing material and the second back acoustic volume may comprise an air-adsorbing material.
  • Fig. 1 A is a top view of an acoustic device.
  • Fig. IB illustrates the acoustic device of fig. 1 A being worn by a user.
  • Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an acoustic device.
  • Fig. 3 is a plot of frequency vs. sound pressure level (SPL) for two different equalization modes of operation of an acoustic device.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an acoustic device.
  • Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an acoustic pod of the acoustic device of fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6, fig. 4.
  • the present acoustic device may be of a type that is designed to be worn draped over the shoulders, with audio drivers located on each side of the device, generally below the ears.
  • the back of each driver is acoustically coupled to an acoustic waveguide, with one waveguide per driver.
  • the waveguides help to boost low-frequency sound.
  • the waveguides also help to reduce sound spillage that may be bothersome to other people located nearby the device wearer.
  • the structure is generally“LT-shaped, with an intermediate portion that is configured to pass behind the neck and right and left legs that are configured to drape over the shoulders. Examples of such acoustic devise are disclosed in the patents and applications that are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the device can be constructed and arranged such that one driver and its associated waveguide is entirely located in one leg of the device and the other driver and its associated waveguide is entirely located in the other leg of the device.
  • the intermediate portion can have some flexibility, to allow relative movement between the legs so that the acoustic device can be comfortably placed around the neck and over the shoulders.
  • this construction makes the housing and the waveguides easier to construct than in similar devices where the waveguides run side-by-side through much of the device, including the intermediate portion. Also, since the waveguides do not run side-by-side anywhere in the device, there is less chance for acoustic cross-coupling. Sound quality can thus be improved.
  • Elements of one or more figures are shown and described as discrete elements in a block diagram. These may be implemented as one or more of analog circuitry or digital circuitry. Alternatively, or additionally, they may be implemented with one or more microprocessors executing software instructions.
  • the software instructions can include digital signal processing instructions. Operations may be performed by analog circuitry or by a microprocessor executing software that performs the equivalent of the analog operation.
  • Signal lines may be implemented as discrete analog or digital signal lines, as a discrete digital signal line with appropriate signal processing that is able to process separate signals, and/or as elements of a wireless
  • the steps may be performed by one element or a plurality of elements. The steps may be performed together or at different times.
  • the elements that perform the activities may be physically the same or proximate one another or may be physically separate.
  • One element may perform the actions of more than one block.
  • Audio signals may be encoded or not and may be transmitted in either digital or analog form. Conventional audio signal processing equipment and operations are in some cases omitted from the drawing.
  • Figs. 1 A and IB illustrate aspects of one non-limiting example of an acoustic device 10.
  • Acoustic device 10 is configured to be worn draped over the shoulders of a user in a deployed configuration.
  • a deployed configuration of device 10 is shown in fig. IB.
  • Device housing 12 can comprise an intermediate portion 20 with opposed first end 21 and second end 22.
  • a first (left) leg portion 30 has proximal end 23 that is coupled to intermediate portion 20.
  • Leg portion 30 depends from the first end 21 of the intermediate portion.
  • a second (right) leg portion 40 has proximal end 25 that is coupled to intermediate portion 20.
  • Leg portion 40 depends from the second end 22 of the intermediate portion.
  • Leg portion 30 has distal end 31 and leg portion 40 has distal end 41, where the distal ends are spaced farthest from intermediate portion 20.
  • the housing portions are not necessarily physically separate parts of the housing.
  • housing 20 is of a largely unitary construction in which the intermediate portion and the two leg portions are not separate portions of the housing but rather are designated parts of a generally unitary housing.
  • a first acoustic driver 32 is carried by first leg portion 30.
  • Driver 32 is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • driver 32 radiates from both its front side and its rear side, and waveguide 34 is acoustically coupled to the rear side of driver 32.
  • First acoustic waveguide 34 (shown in phantom because it is below the exterior surface of housing 20) runs from first acoustic driver 32 along its first portion 35 that extends along first leg portion 30, proximally to proximate intermediate portion 20. Waveguide 34 then turns into short connecting portion 36 that traverses much of the width of leg 30, and then runs distally back down along first leg portion 30 toward end 31 via the waveguide’s final portion 37, to first acoustic waveguide outlet 33 where sound pressure carried by waveguide 34 can exit into the environment. Waveguide 34 is thus located entirely within leg 30 rather than in both legs, but still has a length and a cross-sectional area that allow it to function as an acoustic waveguide.
  • waveguide 34 is about 30 cm long, has a cross-sectional area of about 0.5 cm 2 , and a fundamental frequency of about 70 Hz.
  • acoustic device 10 is bilaterally symmetric about intermediate portion 20.
  • second leg portion 40 is essentially identical to that of first leg portion 30.
  • a second acoustic driver 42 is carried by second leg portion 40.
  • Driver 42 is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing.
  • Waveguide 44 is acoustically coupled to driver 42.
  • driver 42 radiates from both its front side and its rear side, and waveguide 44 is acoustically coupled to the rear side of driver 42.
  • Second acoustic waveguide outlet 43 is also located in the second leg portion. Outlet 43 is configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from second acoustic driver 42 that was acoustically coupled to second acoustic waveguide 44. Second acoustic waveguide 44 (shown in phantom because it is below the exterior surface of housing 20) runs from second acoustic driver 42 along its first portion 45 that extends along second leg portion 40, proximally to proximate intermediate portion 20.
  • Waveguide 44 then turns into short connecting portion 46, and then runs distally back down along second leg portion 40 via the waveguide’s final portion 47, to second acoustic waveguide outlet 43 where sound pressure carried by waveguide 44 can exit into the environment.
  • Waveguide 44 is thus located entirely within leg 40 rather than in both legs, but still has a length and a cross-sectional area that allow it to function as an acoustic waveguide. Locating the driver and the waveguide outlet near leg distal end 41 allows the waveguide length to be maximized for a given leg size.
  • waveguide 44 is about 30 cm long, has a cross- sectional area of about 0.5 cm 2 , and a fundamental frequency of about 70 Hz.
  • legs 30 and 40 Since the construction of legs 30 and 40 is the same - except possibly for them being mirror images of one another - the tooting and manufacturing process for the two legs is essentially identical, which simplifies production and reduces production costs. Also, any relative movement between the two legs (e.g., relative movement that is desired or needed to allow the user to don and doff the audio device) can if desired be accommodated in intermediate portion 20, e.g., by making intermediate portion 20 somewhat flexible. Thus, the two legs do not need to be designed or constructed to have flexibility, which further simplifies production and reduces production costs as compared to similar audio devices in which the legs are designed and constructed so that they can be flexed or bent. Also, fully independent left and right waveguides (e.g., with no cross-talk between them) allows for greater flexibility in audio design and signal processing.
  • left and right waveguides e.g., with no cross-talk between them
  • the left and right channels can in one non-limiting example be operated out of phase at all frequencies. This reduces sound spillage as compared to similar audio devices where sound is played in phase (at least over some of the frequency range).
  • An improvement in spillage of up to about 3 to lOdB is expected, with a reduction at the ears (due to cancellation) of only about 0.5dB.
  • fig. 3 is a plot of frequency v. far-field power (SPL) for an acoustic device such as shown in figs. 1 A and 1 B with the two transducers spaced 20 cm apart, approximately as they would be when the device is worn on the body as shown in fig. IB.
  • operating the transducers out of phase reduces spillage at frequencies up to about 900Hz as compared to the transducers being operated in-phase (curve 104).
  • Operating the two transducers out of phase also makes the sound seem more spacious to the wearer/listener, as compared to sound that is in-phase to the left and right ears.
  • the two waveguides never exist close to one another (e.g., they never run side-by-side), there is less or no cross-coupling between the waveguides. This reduces the need for construction and materials that are aimed to prevent or reduce cross coupling, which can simplify the product design and decrease the device weight and production costs.
  • each driver 32, 42 may be located generally below the expected location of an ear“E” as shown in fig IB.
  • Device 10 sits on the shoulders“S” and upper chest“C,” and extends behind neck“N.”
  • the rear of each driver radiates into an acoustic waveguide, with the outlets of the waveguides in the same leg that carries the driver.
  • driver 42 is carried by right leg 40, and the right driver waveguide outlet 43 is in right leg 40, generally proximate driver 42 and generally below the expected location of the right ear.
  • Left-side driver 32 is carried by left leg 30 and its waveguide outlet 33 is in left leg 30, generally proximate driver 32 and generally below left ear E.
  • Each ear thus receives sound pressure both directly from the front of one transducer, and, via a waveguide, from the back of the same transducer.
  • some sound from the left side reaches the right ear and vice-versa, as is the case with any open audio device.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic functional diagram of an acoustic device 60.
  • Acoustic device 60 includes a housing 62.
  • Housing 62 carries at least two acoustic drivers (transducers), 64 and 66.
  • device 60 is a shoulder-wearable audio device that is adapted to convey audio to the wearer’s ears while in one listening mode minimizing audio spilled to others nearby the user.
  • this disclosure is not limited to a shoulder-wearable audio device and includes other audio devices such as on-ear, in-ear, and off-ear headphones and other portable devices with at least two drivers. All of the electrical and electronic components of device 60 could be powered by a rechargeable battery, not shown.
  • Audio signal source 68 provides audio signals that are transduced by drivers 64 and 66.
  • the audio signals can be present in memory (not shown) in device 60, and/or can be provided to device 60 by one or more separate audio source devices, as is known in the field.
  • One example of a separate audio source is portable device 80 (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet), which is adapted to communicate with device 60 as indicated by connection 81 between portable device 80 and communications module 74 of device 60. Such communication can be wired, or wireless, as is known in the field.
  • audio signal control system 70 may be adapted to process audio signals so as to produce sound at a relatively low amplitude and equalized to reduce spillage. Spillage reduction generally occurs best when the left-side and right-side transducers are played out of phase. This leads to some destructive interference and thus sound cancellation in the far field, as is known in the art.
  • Device 60 can, of course, be taken off the body and used as a portable out-loud speaker.
  • control system 70 can implement two (or more) equalizations, a first equalization designed for the personal use mode (where the device is worn on the shoulders), and a second equalization designed for the out-loud listening mode.
  • control system 70 can apply an equalization that de-emphasizes low-frequency content as compared to the personal use mode.
  • control system 70 may also apply an equalization that provides additional gain to the mid and high-frequency content so that the acoustic device has sufficient volume to be heard out- loud.
  • control system 70 can be enabled to create an equalization in which the two drivers are operated in-phase in order to increase spillage. This equalization can be enabled either while the audio device is worn on the body or while the device is located off the body. This equalization allows the user to better share the sound with others located nearby.
  • the two drivers are driven out of phase at all frequencies.
  • the out of phase operation results in far-field sound cancellation and thus less sound spillage.
  • an acoustic device with drivers driven out of phase is used for out-loud listening, since the low frequencies are cancelled in the far field the user is not obtaining the benefit of the low frequency sound.
  • the acoustic device can save power in the out-loud mode (if the transducers are played out of phase) by not playing, or at least de-emphasizing low frequencies.
  • acoustic device 60 can have a mechanism that either automatically or manually switches between the modes.
  • Manual switching can be accommodated via user interface 72 (e.g., with a physical switch), or via a user-operable equalization switching control on an application (“app”) on remote device 80 that communicates with control system 70 through communications module 74.
  • app application
  • Other means of accomplishing manual switching are contemplated.
  • Automatic switching can be accommodated using sensor module 76 that communicates with control system 70.
  • Sensor module 76 could be a switch that is engaged when device 60 is placed on a hard surface (e.g., a contact switch), or it could be a body sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, or a capacitive sensor) that senses when the device is being worn on the human body, or not.
  • a body sensor e.g., a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, or a capacitive sensor
  • an inertial sensor e.g., a MEMS accelerometer/gyroscope device
  • another sensor that detects motion, since small or large motions (e.g., from breathing, moving the torso, or walking) would be likely to occur when the device is worn over the shoulders.
  • Switching between equalization modes may in some non-limiting examples accommodate some form of time constant or delay, to ease the transition between modes. For example, if the device is switched from out-loud mode to personal mode, the volume should be reduced immediately because the drivers will be within inches of the ear and the high sound pressure level (SPL) of the out-loud mode could be uncomfortable. In contrast, at least for the expected few seconds after the device is taken off the shoulders and is placed on a table or another surface for out-loud listening, the SPL should either not increase or perhaps should increase gradually, to avoid a high SPL at the ears. Any time delay, from zero on up, is contemplated. Time delays and gradual volume changes/equalization changes, can be
  • control system 70 accomplished using control system 70.
  • Figs. 4-6 illustrate another audio device 200.
  • Acoustic pods 204 and 206 are carried at the opposed ends of intermediate portion 202.
  • Intermediate portion 202 may house two waveguides, one for each of the left side 203 and right side 205 of device 200.
  • the waveguides can be flexible waveguides, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 15/878,926, filed on January 24, 2018, entitled“Flexible Acoustic
  • Waveguide Device the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Flexible waveguides can make the intermediate portion 202 flexible, which can allow it to be bent or curved by the user in order to reduce the size of acoustic device 200, e.g., for storage.
  • Each acoustic pod 204, 206 is a construction that includes a driver and a waveguide outlet. Pods are one non-limiting manner of providing a driver and a waveguide outlet and waveguide terminations, but other structures can be used to achieve these results. Acoustic pod 206 is illustrated in some detail in figs. 5 and 6. Acoustic pod 206 includes housing 220 with opening 222 that receives driver module 210 and opening 212 that comprises the waveguide outlet opening.
  • Driver module 210 fits into opening 222 and includes a driver and a housing that carries the driver and accommodates the necessary electrical connections to printed circuit board(s) 224 that carry the electronics needed to receive and play audio signals.
  • the first portion of waveguide 240 is portion 242, which is acoustically coupled to the back of the driver.
  • the final portion of waveguide 240 is portion 241 that is acoustically coupled to waveguide outlet 212.
  • Waveguide 240 can be covered by cover 243, which may be a fabric or a plastic cover, for example.
  • Cap 214 holds module 210 in housing 220 and is fixed to housing 220 by screws or other fasteners in this example.
  • the sound pressure from the rear of the driver is acoustically coupled to rear acoustic cavity 236, which is formed in housing 220. See fig. 6.
  • the outlet of cavity 236 is acoustically coupled to first waveguide portion 242.
  • the volume of rear cavity 236 may be about 20 to 40 mm 3 .
  • Cavity 236 effectively increases the volume of the waveguide.
  • the increased waveguide volume leads to a lower waveguide fundamental frequency, which can increase the acoustic efficiency of the device.
  • air adsorbing material 230 such as that disclosed in U.S.
  • Patent 9,357,289 and its related patents, all incorporated by reference herein, can be placed into cavity 236.
  • an air-adsorbing material can increase the apparent volume by up to about three times.
  • a 20cm 3 cavity half filled with a foam carrying an air-adsorbing material can have an equivalent volume of 40cm 3 (10 cm 3 air plus 10cm 3 foam that is equivalent to 30cm 3 air).
  • the use of the air-adsorbing material can thus increase the apparent volume of a particular cavity, or it can allow a smaller cavity to have an apparent volume of a much larger cavity.
  • the air-adsorbing material 230 is in the form of pieces of open-cell foam that carries air-adsorbing material, as disclosed in patent 9,357,289 and its related patents. The material is shown as five separate shaped pieces of foam, numbered 231-
  • the pieces are shaped and grouped such that they as a whole fill up to about 50% of cavity
  • the fill volume of the cavity can be selected to achieve a needed air flow through the cavity while increasing the apparent volume of the cavity as desired. Typically, a higher apparent volume is more desirable, so the rear cavity will be filled as much as possible with air adsorbing material, while retaining sufficient air volume to accommodate the air flow need for the waveguide.
  • the use of foam, and the use of separate pieces of air-adsorbing material, is not a limitation, as the material can take other forms and shapes.
  • the air-adsorbing material may be a powder that is contained in a container (e.g., a flexible bag) that has openings to allow airflow.
  • Embodiments of the systems and methods described above comprise computer components and computer-implemented steps that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • the computer-implemented steps may be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable medium such as, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, Flash ROMS, nonvolatile ROM, and RAM.
  • the computer-executable instructions may be executed on a variety of processors such as, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors, gate arrays, etc.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif acoustique. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le dispositif acoustique comprend un boîtier qui est conçu pour être porté placé sur les épaules d'un utilisateur dans une configuration déployée. Le boîtier comprend une partie intermédiaire ayant des première et seconde extrémités opposées, une première partie de jambe qui dépend de la première extrémité de la partie intermédiaire, et une seconde partie de jambe qui dépend de la seconde extrémité de la partie intermédiaire. Un amplificateur acoustique est porté par chaque partie de jambe et est configuré pour projeter un son vers l'extérieur à partir du boîtier. Un guide d'ondes acoustique est entièrement situé dans chaque partie de jambe. Un guide d'ondes est couplé acoustiquement à chaque amplificateur. Une sortie de guide d'ondes est située dans la même jambe que l'amplificateur et son guide d'ondes associé. Les sorties sont conçues pour projeter vers l'extérieur à partir du boîtier un son provenant de l'amplificateur qui était couplé acoustiquement au guide d'ondes.
EP19745914.2A 2018-07-11 2019-07-10 Dispositif acoustique Pending EP3821426A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/032,420 US10531186B1 (en) 2018-07-11 2018-07-11 Acoustic device
PCT/US2019/041216 WO2020014368A1 (fr) 2018-07-11 2019-07-10 Dispositif acoustique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3821426A1 true EP3821426A1 (fr) 2021-05-19

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EP19745914.2A Pending EP3821426A1 (fr) 2018-07-11 2019-07-10 Dispositif acoustique

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US (1) US10531186B1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3821426A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020014368A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6719140B1 (ja) * 2019-11-15 2020-07-08 Ｆａｉｒｙ Ｄｅｖｉｃｅｓ株式会社 首掛け型装置
USD951904S1 (en) * 2020-04-20 2022-05-17 Black & Decker Inc. Head phone
CN115038009B (zh) * 2022-08-10 2022-12-09 歌尔股份有限公司 音频控制方法、可穿戴设备以及电子设备

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8794373B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-08-05 Bose Corporation Three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure
GB2517486B (en) 2013-08-22 2020-12-16 Impossible Labs Ltd Headphone Apparatus
US9654867B2 (en) 2014-07-18 2017-05-16 Bose Corporation Acoustic device
US9736574B2 (en) * 2014-07-18 2017-08-15 Bose Corporation Acoustic device
WO2016011063A1 (fr) 2014-07-18 2016-01-21 Bose Corporation Dispositif acoustique
US9877103B2 (en) 2014-07-18 2018-01-23 Bose Corporation Acoustic device
KR102343269B1 (ko) * 2014-08-28 2021-12-27 삼성전자주식회사 웨어러블 전자 장치
CN109479170B (zh) 2016-07-27 2020-09-25 伯斯有限公司 声学设备
US10397681B2 (en) 2016-12-11 2019-08-27 Base Corporation Acoustic transducer
JP6526844B1 (ja) 2018-01-11 2019-06-05 シャープ株式会社 ウェアラブルスピーカシステム

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US10531186B1 (en) 2020-01-07
WO2020014368A1 (fr) 2020-01-16

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